Lifeguards warn of rip currents at the Jersey shore
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WTXF) - Powerful rip currents are coming to the Jersey shore amid an already busy summer of water rescues.
The region is seeing a higher number of water rescues compared to this time last year. In Atlantic City, there were more than 400 water rescues last week alone.
Hurricane Chris presents a moderate risk of rip currents to our area, though beaches in the Maryland area face a higher risk than those in New Jersey.
Officials urge caution, telling beachgoers to only swim when lifeguards are present. With the dangerous rip currents, however, beach patrol is working overtime to keep everyone safe.
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We've had a number of rescues hairy, hairy rescues after hours," Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey told FOX 29. "Last week, because of the heat and the crowds, we simply couldn't leave at 6 p.m. We kept most beaches open until 7 or 8 p.m."
he biggest mistake people make when they're in danger, according to lifeguards, is panic.
They say it's important to stay calm, wave for help if you can and try to swim out of the current parallel to the beach.